What to Expect in Chappaqua Traffic Court

Chappaqua Traffic Court is also known as New Castle Town Court. The court is located in the same building as the municipal government. There are entrances to court from both the front and back of the building. The most direct route to the court is through the back. There is ample parking in the back of the building. You will see a number of athletic fields by the parking area. Upon entering the building, you will be asked to walk through a metal detector and to remove all electronic devices and metal instruments. After passing security, you will be instructed to enter the court and wait for further instructions. The traffic court handles numerous violations including speeding tickets, cell phone violations, and child seat belt violations. When you get to court, you should be prepared for a significant wait. Traditionally, traffic cases are adjudicated after the criminal calendar. Sometimes, traffic cases will not be heard until after 8:00 pm.

What are some things I should bring to court? It is helpful to bring your court notice and a copy of your ticket. This will help the court easily track down your case and help expedite the process. It is also helpful to bring a copy of your driving record. Your driving record can be obtained at your local Department of Motor Vehicles. If you resolve your matter, should know exactly how it will affect your privilege to drive. If the court assesses a fine, you should be prepared to pay the fine on the day you go to court.

What are some things should do before going to court? In brief, if you have been issued a ticket, you must enter a plea of not guilty within 48 hours of receipt. You should do so by some by some form of return-receipt mailing.

Your failure to respond in a timely manner will result in your license being suspended. If your privilege to drive is suspended and you are caught driving, you could be arrested and placed in jail. Further, you may be convicted of a misdemeanor and be subject to a permanent criminal record.

The court will send you a court date in the mail. You should be proactive in tracking your court date. If you have not received a court notice, you should contact the court an inquire about your ticket's status.

What can I expect when I go inside the Court? On the court date, you must “check in” with the court. After you check in, you will be instructed to have a seat in the courtroom.

Eventually, your name will be called and you will line up to meet with the prosecutor. In some circumstances, the prosecutor will be the officer that issued you the summons. In other circumstances, the prosecutor will be a representative from the Town Attorney’s Office.

The process of going to court can take several hours. There are often administrative delays and no shortage of traffic violations. So, you should be prepared to spend at least half a day in court.

Why does it take so long? It is possible for you to go to court and leave just a few minutes. However, many courts have administrative delays. There are many different elements in play. It takes time to meet with the prosecutor, police officer and judge. Do I have to pay a fine the same day I go to court? It depends. Courts prefer that you pay your fine on the same day that you enter your plea. From time to time, the court may give you up to two weeks to pay.

Can I pay with a credit card? Many courts in New York are taking credit card payments. You should be prepared to pay with cash, however, you can always ask the court whether or not they will take a credit card payment.

I’m scheduled to go to trial. What can I do to help prepare for trial? While you are not required to have an attorney at trial, it is advisable that you have legal representation. Remember, most officers are experienced at testifying in court. They have issued hundreds of tickets. They know what to say. They have been trained in the art of issuing a traffic summons. As such, taking an officer to task may be more difficult than you expect.

About Our Firm: Our firm has years of experience fighting traffic tickets. We are experienced ticket lawyers. Our experience can help you save time, money, and points on your license. Give us a call at 914-723-7900 and ask how our speeding ticket lawyers can help.

What are the benefits of retaining your firm? Going to court can be a time consuming and stressful proposition for many motorists. Our attorneys have been appearing in Traffic Courts for years and can assist you in alleviating your stress and help reduce the points levied against your license. By reducing your ticket, we can help save you on rising insurance costs.

We are familiar with the “ins and outs” of the court. Our attorneys have excelled at getting speeding tickets, suspended licenses cases, and other matters either dismissed or reduced. Under most normal circumstances, our client’s never appear in court on traffic infractions. This will saves them valuable time and money.

How many points am I facing?

Speeding

Points

01 to 10 mph over the limit

3

11 to 20

4

21 to 30

6

31 to 40

8

More than 40

11

What are the fines?

Offense

Fines

First-time speeding offense

$45 to $600

One or more speeding tickets

(within eighteen months)

Up to $1,575

Traffic Infraction

$100-$300

Disobey a Traffic Signal

(red light)

$225-$675

Misdemeanor Convictions

(no other penalty provided)

$200-$1,225

Uninspected Vehicles

$25-$200

Unregistered Vehicle or Trailer

$25-$200

Equipment Violations of Vehicle or Trailer

$0-$100

Surcharges

$50 - $55

Can I go to jail for this?

Yes. Although it is rarely enforced, a simple speeding ticket can carry 15 or more days in jail for a violator.